Admissibility of Evidence of Other Crimes In Mississippi

Proof of criminal conduct other than that described in an indictment is inadmissible because of its prejudicial effect on the jury. See Tucker v. State, 403 So. 2d 1274 (Miss. 1981); Mason v. State, 429 So. 2d 569 (Miss. 1983). Evidence of other crimes is not admissible unless the other crimes are related in time, place and fact. See Neal v. State, 451 So. 2d 743 (Miss. 1984); Davis v. State, 431 So. 2d 468 (Miss. 1983). However, the proposition that other crimes must be interrelated is not the only exception. The admission of other crimes evidence to prove intent is also an exception to the general rule. See Smith v. State, 656 So. 2d 95, 98 (Miss. 1995). When determining whether the evidence is legally sufficient to sustain the verdict, we must consider the evidence in the light most favorable to the State. McClain v. State, 625 So. 2d 774, 778 (Miss. 1993). The credible evidence consistent with guilt must be accepted as true. Id. The State must be given the benefit of all favorable inferences that may be drawn from the evidence. Id. The court is authorized to reverse only where, with respect to one or more of the elements of the offense charged, the evidence so considered is such that reasonable and fair-minded jurors could only find the accused not guilty. Id.